ClutchPoints
The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2025 NFL season with plenty of familiar star power leading the way. They have Joe Burrow fully healthy in addition to both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins locked in with long-term deals. As such, the Bengals should compete once again in a loaded AFC. Of course, Cincinnati fans have plenty of reasons for optimism. As always, though, championship contenders are often made or broken by the performances of players further down the roster. The hidden gems who quietly deliver key contributions when the spotlight shines brightest.
Sure, national conversations often revolve around Burrow, Chase, Higgins, or even the question marks on the offensive line. Still, Cincinnati has a few under-the-radar standouts who could make all the difference this year. Let’s spotlight three Bengals hidden gems you need to keep your eyes on in 2025.
The Bengals’ 2025 offseason was busy and complicated. Cincinnati did the most important business first. They secured long-term deals for both Chase and Higgins. This ensured their top two receivers remain paired with Burrow for years to come. Locking in those contracts kept the core of the Bengals’ offense intact. That was a critical move as they aim to remain contenders in a fiercely competitive AFC.
However, not everything was smooth. The team still has major question marks on the interior offensive line. This unit struggled last season with just a 57.8 PFF overall grade. The front office made additions, but significant improvement will be necessary. The defense also saw sweeping changes, particularly in the front seven. Cincinnati invested heavily in young talent. They added rookies Shemar Stewart, Demetrius Knight Jr, and Barrett Carter to bolster the defensive front. Of course, depending so heavily on inexperienced players carries risk. Longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s departure also leaves a sizable void in leadership and scheme continuity.
With new faces at key positions and lingering questions about whether the roster has truly improved, the 2025 Bengals will rely on several hidden gems to stabilize both sides of the ball.
When Mike Gesicki signed a one-year deal with Cincinnati ahead of the 2024 season, few predicted how seamlessly he would fit into the Bengals’ offensive structure. After two underwhelming seasons in Miami and New England, some viewed Gesicki as a stopgap solution. Instead, the former first-round pick flourished alongside Burrow. He immediately became the most productive tight end of Burrow’s career.
Gesicki’s 2024 stat line speaks for itself. He is the first Bengals tight end to surpass 70 targets, 50 receptions, and 500 receiving yards in a single season since Burrow was drafted in 2020. His ability to consistently exploit the soft spots in coverage gave Burrow a reliable safety valve on crucial downs. Where previous Bengals tight ends delivered solid but unspectacular production, Gesicki offered a new dimension with his size, athleticism, and soft hands.
Perhaps most importantly, Gesicki’s rapport with Burrow translated into offensive efficiency. This was especially seen...
